It’s windy around the island of Saltneven in the Kragerøfjord. Around 200 children and young people have gathered here for sailing courses over the course of five weeks this summer. There can be eight to ten small sailboats on the fjord at the same time when Kragerø Sailing Association organizes courses for children and young people. Photo: Lise Welo Close by, motorboats whiz past at high speed. Kragerø Sailing Association and the Rescue Company have experienced several scary situations recently. The sailors Oscar and Jonas keep their motorboats close when they are out on the fjord. Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes / news Don’t save Oscar Ødegaard (13) and Jonas Robertsen Østland (13) are two of those who are out at sea a lot this summer. They are not afraid of the big boats that rush by. But it is the instructors at the sailing school. They have a challenging task of looking after the young sailors. Can be really scary The Seal Association says they experience reckless driving several times a day. With waving arm movements, the instructor in the accompanying boat signals that the larger boats must keep their distance. The instructor gives clear signals to a passing boat. The image is blurred. Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes / news Trond Sejersted Bødtker, leader of the Kragerø Sailing Association, says they often experience situations with high speed and many inexperienced boat drivers. Trond Sejersted Bødtker, leader of the Kragerø Sailing Association. And in addition, increased use of screens at sea. – When there are eight to ten little optimists on the fjord, it can be very scary. People plow in between these boats even though we have boats with safety flags trying to keep them away, says Bødtker. A boat speeds past the safety boat of Kragerø Sailing Association at full speed. The image is blurred. Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes / news Motorboat gives way to sailboat When a motorboat and a sailboat steer so that there is a risk of collision, the motorboat must give way. A sailboat that runs on a motor is considered a motorboat, and it must then comply with the rules for motorboats. Source: Maritime Directorate – As bad as in a car The sailing association in Kragerø receives support from the Rescue Company. They say that there are many who want a place on the fjord during the summer months. They have recorded some bad driving and high speeds. Accidents can then happen if you are inattentive for a few seconds. – Some people look down instead of looking out. Things can happen quickly and it’s easy to overlook something, says Erik Claussen, boat driver on the rescue boat RS Uni Kragerø. Erik Claussen is a boat driver in the Rescue Company. Photo: Ken Markus Christensen / news Claussen says that screen use at sea is at least as bad as in a car. – And maybe worse at times. People look down at the plotter or phone instead of looking out the window. – Keep your distance Jonas and Oscar steer safely towards the jetty. They think it’s fine to be in the middle of the fjord in a small sailboat, but often notice boat drivers who are careless. Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes / news The boys have the following appeal to the drivers of the fast boats: – Follow along and watch where you are driving, says Oscar. – And keep your distance from the sailboats, adds Jonas.
ttn-69
The rescue company warns against high speed and mobile phone use at sea – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
